Can you tell us what exactly you do at LEJO?
Our primary focus is on emancipating young people. LEJO assists youth who find themselves in socially vulnerable situations, strengthening their position within society. We aim for societal structural changes tailored to these youths’ needs, improving their social standing and ensuring they have a future full of opportunities.
What do you understand by impact measurement and why is it important in youth work?
Impact measurement at LEJO is dual tracked: it includes the quantitative recording of relevant data, primarily focused on outreach, and the qualitative interpretation of this data. Measuring our impact in these ways is pivotal because our supporters – the individuals and entities funding our initiatives – want to see what their investment yields.
You tested StreetSmart Impact in Aalst. What was the reason for participating in this pilot testing?
We opted for StreetSmart Impact as the application’s functionality and outcomes aligned with our expectations. The flexibility to customise the app to fit our specific needs and preferences was also a key deciding factor.
What factors convinced you to implement StreetSmart Impact as your primary registration tool after the testing phase?
StreetSmart Impact meets our needs for capturing both quantitative and qualitative data, crucial for demonstrating our impact. The ease of use, clear output and StreetSmart’s ongoing support and accessibility significantly influenced our decision. Moreover, using a professional tool for impact measurement strengthens our credibility in discussions with funders and policymakers.
How did you ensure a successful implementation of the app across your organisation?
To successfully implement the app, we participated in all workshops provided by StreetSmart, conducted regular internal discussions and appointed a responsible person to ensure continuity and oversight.
In what ways do you use the data collected with StreetSmart Impact?
We collect demographic information such as age and gender of the youngsters participating in our activities. This data is stored in our personal database and used for mid-term evaluations of our operations. Analysing this information allows us to identify and act on internal trends, improving our strategies and operations continuously.
